This letter was presented to the Planning and Housing Committee on May 7, 2026 in response to item PH30.3 - 3838 Bloor Street West - Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment Application by Shannon Spencer, Community Planner. A deputation was also made by Melissa Wong, Director, Engagement & Strategic Initiatives. The item was adopted by the committee without amendment. It will be considered by City Council on May 20, 21 and 22, 2026.
May 7, 2026
Re: PH30.3 - 3838 Bloor Street West - Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment Application
Dear members of the Economic and Community Development Committee,
My name is Shannon Spencer, and I am writing on behalf of Social Planning Toronto, an organization dedicated to advancing equity, social justice, and quality of life in Toronto, and to support a rights-based approach to housing. I am writing to express our strong support for the proposed zoning and Official Plan amendments for the women’s shelter at 3838 Bloor Street West.
Firstly, we would like to note that shelters are already a permitted use at this site. The proposal is also consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, which calls for a full range of housing options in every community. This purpose-built shelter is also consistent with urban design guidelines, planning legislation, and the surrounding neighbourhood context. Additionally, it is within 500 metres of the subway station and transit, making it accessible and reducing the need for car dependency and parking requirements, consistent with the city’s Official Plan.
As of October 2024, over 15,000 people in Toronto were experiencing homelessness. This rate has more than doubled over three years. Simultaneously, the median age at death for women experiencing homelessness in the city decreased from 43 years to 36 years within a year. These trends underscore the urgent and great need for shelters, which are a critical entry point to long-term housing.
The difficult reality is that homelessness can affect anyone, often with little warning. Across our work and that of our partners, we have seen how a lack of shelter exacerbates other issues, including physical and mental health, employment, and overall wellbeing. Homelessness is not an individual failure, but an outcome of policy decisions and systemic barriers. While shelters are not the answer to homelessness, they are an essential part of the housing continuum, and should be located in neighbourhoods, like any other essential public service. This shelter will provide safety, dignity, and pathways to permanent housing for women, aligning with the Official Plan’s vision of an inclusive and caring city through equitable planning.
In supporting these amendments, we respectfully recommend that the City:
- Approve the Official Plan and zoning amendments to facilitate the building of a new women’s shelter at 3838 Bloor Street.
In closing, we urge you to lead with urgency, compassion, and a commitment to housing as a human right.
Respectfully,
Shannon Spencer
Social Planning Toronto